Synonym Chooser

How is the word stupendous different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of stupendous are monstrous, prodigious, and tremendous. While all these words mean "extremely impressive," stupendous implies a power to stun or astound, usually because of size, numbers, complexity, or greatness beyond description.

a stupendous volcanic eruption

In what contexts can monstrous take the place of stupendous?

The words monstrous and stupendous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, monstrous implies a departure from the normal (as in size, form, or character) and often carries suggestions of deformity, ugliness, or fabulousness.

the monstrous waste of the project

When is prodigious a more appropriate choice than stupendous?

Although the words prodigious and stupendous have much in common, prodigious suggests a marvelousness exceeding belief, usually in something felt as going far beyond a previous maximum (as of goodness, greatness, intensity, or size).

made a prodigious effort and rolled the stone aside

Where would tremendous be a reasonable alternative to stupendous?

While in some cases nearly identical to stupendous, tremendous may imply a power to terrify or inspire awe.

the tremendous roar of the cataract

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of stupendous In addition to stupendous views of the eclipse, guests can expect to enjoy fascinating culture, history, food and wine, along with insightful programming on eclipses and cosmic wonders curated by distinguished lecturer Dr. Alex Filippenko, professor of astronomy at UC Berkeley. Cassidy Randall, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025 Truth surfaces, if at all, decades later, when secrets may be declassified too late to redress the stupendous harm in the interim. Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 24 July 2025 The sun was oppressive and Ostapenko was stupendous. Sam Knight, New Yorker, 12 July 2025 Once that's accomplished, though, the movie is a happy thrill ride, a string of stupendous (and stupendously silly) scenes in which the mutants go after the castaways. Tom Gliatto, People.com, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for stupendous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stupendous
Adjective
  • For years, those on the radical left have compared wonderful Americans like Charlie to Nazis and the world’s worst mass murderers and criminals.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Stargazing is a wonderful pursuit that appeals to both the casual and dedicated observer, but views outside of cities are often much clearer and brighter thanks to different levels of light pollution.
    Harry Bennett, Space.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This fall brings a mix of amazing films.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 10 Sep. 2025
  • That alone is amazing, said Timbrook, Depue and a representative for the soft body armor vest that stopped a bullet from piercing the officer’s chest.
    Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Then, travelers settle on the ship for eight days to visit communities along the Ganges River, such as Matiari, a village known for its brass artisans, and Kalna, home to the astonishing Rajbari temple complex.
    Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 9 Sep. 2025
  • An organic feel, curves, an astonishing representation of the body, a totally improbable position, even for Picasso.
    Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Bradley McCroskey caught a miraculous 26-yard touchdown pass on the final play of regulation, then Temi Ericson raced nearly untouched for a 25-yard TD in overtime to give the Indians a 34-28 victory.
    Jordan Neal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Every bite elicits wonder, provoking a quiet moment of gratitude for this lush, miraculous habitat.
    The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Harry brought his trademark humor and warmth to the awards, a ceremony honoring seriously ill children who have shown incredible courage, joking and making smiles all around.
    Erin Hill, People.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Thanks to incredible works like Parasite and Squid Game, Korean content has made huge achievements on the world stage.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Debbie Douglas is the Senior Director of Collections and the Curator of Science and Technology at the MIT Museum, a marvelous repository of physical items, materials and artifacts that tell a story of continual innovation and yes, the curiosity of humans over the last few generations.
    John Werner, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
  • Self-awareness and community are marvelous antidotes to the barrenness of conformity.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • According to Joy Gelbman, MD, a cardiologist at Weill Cornell Medicine, these results aren’t necessarily surprising.
    Sarah Garone, Health, 9 Sep. 2025
  • After my long flight home, I was relieved that the late-night visitor turned out to be nothing more than city workers on the job (and their job in this case, while surprising, didn't turn out to be too destructive).
    Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The hybrid Amelanchier x grandiflora tends to be the most readily available at garden centers and certainly makes a stunning specimen.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Both celebrations provided that and more, including stunning outfit changes, ethereal decor, and a robot at the reception.
    Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Stupendous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupendous. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

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